MINISTERS faced a new outcry last night over Britain's arms deals
with Israel.

The Government is set to buy £200million worth of Israeli
Spike missiles - the type which have been used against Palestinians
in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

Angry MPs claimed the deal, following last week's uproar over British
arms sales to Israel, was unethical. Brian Iddon, secretary of the
Commons all-party Palestine group, said last night: "Any purchase
of arms from Israel is highly insensitive at this time."

Defence officials want the Government to sign up for 5,000 Spike
anti-tank missiles made by Israeli company Rafael. Using an advanced
"fire and forget" guidance system, the weapon is accurate
from up to three miles.

Spikes can be fired from hand-held launchers or helicopters and
have been used in recent months to kill terrorist leaders.

Labour MP Alice Mahon said: "We shouldn't be buying these
missiles. There should be a boycott on Israel when it is using arms
on such a scale in occupied territories."

The Norwegian government, which has bought Spike missiles in the
past, has banned further arms purchases from Israel.

The Spike is being lined up to replace the ageing Milan anti-tank
missile system in the British Army's infantry regiments, Royal Marines
and Britain's Special Forces.

Army experts are evaluating its performance in tests on Salisbury
Plain. The only alternative being considered is the costlier US-made
Javelin system. But officers believe the Lockheed Martin product
is less effective.

The Government is already under fire for allowing British-made
parts to be fitted to Israel's US F16 fighters. The deal for the
new missile system will be signed in the autumn.

The Defence Ministry insisted last night that political factors
were being taken into account. A spokesman said: "The MoD has
a responsibility to deliver effective equipment to the armed forces
which represents value for money to the taxpayer."